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Commission discusses employee wellness reimbursements; staff asked to research program models and funding
Summary
The commission discussed a proposed county wellness reimbursement program offering a 60% reimbursement up to $150 per employee for gym memberships, classes or footwear. Commissioners asked staff for more research on program design, eligibility and likely uptake before deciding.
The Duchesne County Commission discussed a proposed employee wellness reimbursement program during the March 24 meeting. County staff presented a revised proposal the wellness committee had recommended: a 60 percent reimbursement for eligible wellness expenses, not to exceed $150 per employee, to be approved by the county wellness committee and paid as a paycheck reimbursement.
Human Resources staff said prior iterations of wellness incentives in the county had limited participation and that a well-publicized program could attract higher take-up. Staff estimated a high-end cost scenario — 250 employees each receiving $150 — would cost about $37,500; HR said in prior offerings roughly 20 employees used the earlier in-lieu gym membership benefit.
Commissioners raised concerns about eligibility and administrability. Some commissioners favored limiting reimbursements to membership or class fees to ensure ongoing engagement; others worried limiting the program could exclude employees who benefit from shoes, water-aerobics or specific medical supplements. Commissioners also noted the potential for perceptions among taxpayers about what is an appropriate use of refunded premium dollars.
Staff said the county expects rebate funds from employee benefits (PHP and Dental Select) in coming weeks — figures discussed included approximately $100,000 from PHP and roughly $175,000 from Dental Select based on prior-year experience — and suggested those rebates could fund a pilot. Commissioners asked HR to research other county or municipal models, request performance metrics if available and return with proposed eligibility criteria and estimated program costs.
Ending
Commissioners asked staff to gather examples, define clear approval criteria for eligible expenses and return with a refined proposal and budget recommendations at a future meeting.
